I like Chicago because it has seasons -- a real winter to purge the excesses of summer; a time to contemplate, to concentrate, to work; a labor of intensity free of distraction.

It has a distinct spring. The perennials begin to poke their green noses out of the soil casting aside the remains of the snow to seek the sun and its light. Very soon, the air has changed and their colors are blooming everywhere. The birds twitter with excitement; they are busy flying hither and thither straws in their beaks, to build nests; all forms of life preparing for the future.

It's warmer now, summer is here. The birds' chicks have fledged. They trail their parents everywhere for treats. Some are even ready to be on their own, and the parents might have another brood in mind.

Summer is also time for the beach. Yes, there is a beach in Chicago, a large one along the shores of Lake Michigan ... a beach one might add without the perils of hurricanes, tropical storms, surges and flooding.

Summer is also time for vacations. The more affluent among us might go abroad. Many have vacation homes nearby for weekends, causing long traffic jams on the expressways when they return on Sunday nights.

But there are plenty of vacation spots within half-a-day's drive along both shores of Lake Michigan, into the peninsula and the pretty country around Lake Superior.

All too quickly summer ebbs into Fall: the trees are blazing color, gorgeous maple crimsons, rich golds ... sadly a brief glory. Yet a weekend or more for drives to enjoy the colors. School has resumed for sons and daughters, and college for the older ones. Work has returned to its normal pattern.

Soon there will be a chill in the air to remind us winter is on its way. With it snow, sometimes in modest sprinkles, sometimes in mounds. Snow covered ground, shrubs, roofs and trees, pretty as a picture, and with luck a storybook Christmas.